Mistyczna teoria piękna w "Descenso y ascenso del alma por la belleza" Leopoldo Marechala

The article analyzes the main concepts of metaphysical theory of beauty outlined by an Argentinian writer Leopoldo Marechal in his philosophical and metaphysical treatise "Descenso y ascenso del alma por la belleza". It is an exceptional work of Latin American literature of the 20th century because of its subject, form and cultural context to which it is related. The treatise revolves around all significant motifs of Marechal’s works: metaphysical thought, the concept of beauty as an intermediary to religious transcendence, the philosophy of love built on the Dantean model, the symbolic journey of a mythological hero and the image of a poet as a demiurge-like figure whose power lies in his capacity of naming objects. It can be viewed as a multifaceted philosophical dialogue enrooted in the Neoplatonic tradition. On the other hand, it is a very personal text, a fruit of the author’s spiritual wealth. Most of the treatise’s academic reception was inspired by the density of the philosophical thought presented in it, but its literary qualities should also be noted – especially in the parts that employ a more personal tone. The literariness of "Descenso y ascenso del alma por la belleza" is built on deep symbolism and an intertextual web of classical works. Therefore, Marechal’s treatise merits high interest not only from philosophy scholars, but also from everyone who seeks for beauty in art and in beauty – a metaphysical dimension.